Discovering Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra

Name: Discovering Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra
Brand: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company

by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company

MathGrades 9–12

About This Curriculum

<cite index="22-1,22-3">Discovering Mathematics series is aligned to the Common Core and designed to engage all students in active learning through a discovery-based, technology-rich approach, incorporating problem solving, real-world applications, conceptual understanding, and mathematics as sense making.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="7-6,7-7">Investigations provide a careful blend of guidance and discovering that stimulates learning, with students given sufficient opportunity to look for and generalize patterns focusing on algebraic representations.</cite>

Discovering Mathematics: Inquiry-Based High School Math Series

Discovering Mathematics is a Common Core-aligned high school math curriculum series covering Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra through discovery-based, technology-rich instruction. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, problem solving, real-world applications, and conceptual understanding through inquiry methods.

Best for

High schools seeking Common Core-aligned math curriculum with inquiry-based pedagogy and technology integration for grades 9-12

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 1 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Word ProblemsStrength

The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and problem solving throughout.

The description specifically mentions 'problem solving, real-world applications' as core components of the curriculum approach

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum provides adequate teacher support based on usability evaluation.

EdReports rated Gateway 3 (Usability) as 'Meets Expectations,' which includes evaluation of teacher supports and guidance materials

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The curriculum demonstrates coherent sequencing and focus on grade-level content.

EdReports rated Gateway 1 (Focus & Coherence) as 'Meets Expectations,' indicating appropriate alignment to grade-level math standards and focus on major work

Conceptual Procedural BalanceStrength

The curriculum appears to balance conceptual understanding with procedural skills based on its Gateway 2 rating.

EdReports rated the curriculum as 'Meets Expectations' for rigor and mathematical practices, which evaluates the balance of conceptual understanding, procedural skill, and application

Direct InstructionConcern

The discovery-based pedagogy may limit direct, explicit instruction opportunities.

The curriculum is explicitly described as using a 'discovery-based' approach, which typically emphasizes student exploration over teacher-led direct instruction

Assessment DiagnosticNeutral

Assessment features meet expectations based on usability review.

The Gateway 3 usability rating of 'Meets Expectations' includes assessment as a evaluated component, though specific diagnostic features are not detailed

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to assess the curriculum's use of worked examples.

The available reviews do not specifically address whether the curriculum provides worked examples or step-by-step modeling

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence available regarding retrieval practice or spaced review implementation.

The available reviews do not mention cumulative review, retrieval practice, or spaced repetition features

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

The technology-rich approach likely incorporates visual representations, though specifics are unclear.

The curriculum is described as 'technology-rich' which may include visual modeling tools, but specific visual representation strategies are not detailed

Sources: edreports.org